Emergency measures intended to halt the decline of high streets have been seized on by Brentford business leaders.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) released a report on Tuesday called Open For Business, containing proposals to break the cycle of decline in London.

The number of empty shops in the capital has risen five per cent in two years.

Suggestions include:

A new form of Compulsory Purchase Order which would allow people to buy medium leases for empty premises rather than the whole property outright.

Support for retailers to renegotiate rising rents and agree more bearable lease terms.

Encourage pop-up businesses, which take over empty shops in the interim while a permanent occupant is found.

On the back of the report, a BBC news crew went to Brentford to find out what impact it might have there.

Suzie Betlam, president of Brentford Chamber of Commerce, and Andrew Dakers, chairman of the Brentford High Street Steering Group, were both interviewed for the 6.30pm bulletin on Tuesday.

They highlighted plans by Irish developer Ballymore to completely alter the south side of High Street, attracted plenty of criticism when they were revealed in September last year.

Neighbours are concerned that while work is carried out, shop owners will be without premises, speeding up the downwards spiral rather than reversing it.

During her interview Ms Betlam said: "Brentford is being regenerated but we’re worried Ballymore isn’t listening to our concerns. There’s going to be a whole year at least when 30 shops are displaced and we’re concerned Ballymore aren’t taking this into account.

“They should give the shops free rent for a period and consider a transition plan for them so they can continue to run and make a profit. This is in line with one of the key GLA suggestions, which would see London-wide support to renegotiate rents, of which many have rocketed."

Mr Daker and Ms Betlam agreed independent shops need to be a core part of the high street.

The GLA also wants to change planning rules so boroughs can address the rise in the number of pawnbrokers, betting shops and payday loan businesses.

Theo Dennison, chairman of Hounslow Council’s planning committee, said: “I think Brentford should have a commercial sector with character, so when Ballymore are putting shops into the high street they need to think about a good mix of independent shops and some of the key chain stores people expect on the high street.”

Three key Brentford organisations – the Chamber of Commerce, High Street Steering Group and the Community Council – wrote to Ballymore last month requesting a meeting to discuss the project, but have been told they will speak to Hounslow Council first, and that will not happen until April at the earliest.

Ballymore is on record insisting all views will be considered as the project goes through the planning process.